Whether charging your new phone or slipping on a pair of earbuds for your morning commute, most of us use wireless gadgets. But you might want to think twice when it comes to your gaming headset. You can use a wired headset with almost any device, as long as it has a headphone jack. You can hear your environment and your allies with clarity, without worrying about charging or compatibility issues. Nobody likes sweaty ears, either.
Luckily, there are quite a few headsets that fit the bill—no matter what console, computer, or device you game on. If you’re looking to go completely wirefree, check out our Best Wireless Gaming Headsets guide. For all your other gaming accessory needs and/or semi-urgent wants, be sure to check out our other guides, like the Best Gaming Keyboard, Best Gaming Mouse, and Best Gamepad roundups!
Updated June 2022: We’ve adjusted prices and added the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro.
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Photograph: Logitech
Best for Most People
Logitech G Pro X
This is the wired version of our wireless gaming pick, and it’s a favorite for several good reasons. The Logitech G Pro X (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is simple and elegant—more like high-quality headphones than a gaming headset.
But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Not only does it produce resonant sound on an expansive soundstage with 7.1 surround, but Logitech’s included software gives you granular control over the quality of your voice. The included mic and software were engineered with help from Blue (of Blue Yeti fame), and together they produce crystal-clear, broadcast-quality comms. The price is also very reasonable.
Wired only. Works with PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch, Mobile, and PC.
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Photograph: SteelSeries
The Best Wired-Only Headset
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wired Headset
It’s been a long time coming, but someone finally dethroned the Arctis Pro + GameDac headset that has for so long been our top pick. No surprises that it’s the Arctis Nova Pro, the new version of that headset from SteelSeries. This new version produces immersive, expansive sound, and it packs all the great features we loved in the Arctis Pro—like the included desktop DAC with a slick little display. It can be used to adjust volume, or the mix of voice, sidetone, and voice chat. And most importantly, it’s super comfy to wear for long periods. The ear cups are plush and soft, and they shut out almost all exterior sound, and the new adjustable head strap pays homage to the classic ski-goggle adjustment strap that made the original Arctis such a standout.
Wired only. Works best with PC, but also works well with Switch, Xbox Series S/X, and PS5.
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Photograph: Audeze
Planar Perfection
Audeze Penrose Gaming Headset
The Audeze Penrose employs planar drivers. That means an ultra-thin layer of conductive film is suspended between two permanent magnetic fields. Just floating in there! It’s super cool. That film vibrates to produce unbelievably clear, detailed, rich sound. For gaming, that means an all-new level of immersion. On top of all that, they work wired and with Bluetooth—and the included (removable) boom mic sounds great.
Wired and wireless. Works with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch.
